Description

These Soft Pretzel Bites are chewy, golden, and perfectly salty—ideal for game days, parties, or late-night cravings. Thanks to a baking soda bath, they have a pillowy interior and crisp, pretzel-style crust. They’re easy to make and fun to dip in cheese, mustard, or sweet sauces. Great for family fun or feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

355 ml warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
13 g granulated sugar
480 g all-purpose flour
9 g salt
28 g unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

2.4 liters water
150 g baking soda

Topping:

1 egg yolk, whisked with 15 ml water
Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, to taste

Optional Dipping Sauces:

Mustard, cheese sauce, ranch, Nutella, or dip of choice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Stir warm water and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast over and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 360 g of flour. Stir well. Add remaining 120 g flour gradually until dough is soft and not sticky.
Knead: Knead on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Boil Bath & Preheat Oven: Bring 2.4 L of water and baking soda to a boil. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Shape: Punch down dough, divide into 6 parts, roll into ropes (12–15 inches), and cut into 1-inch bites.
Boil Bites: Boil dough bites for 30 seconds in baking soda bath.
Prepare for Baking: Place on baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating trays halfway, until golden brown.
Serve: Cool briefly. Serve with dips of choice.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s key to the texture and flavor.

Add garlic powder or paprika to the egg wash for extra flavor.

Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer.

Freeze raw bites and bake directly from frozen (add extra minutes).

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American